London Fashion Week waives fees for designers under new BFC CEO

In a move designed to support British talent, the British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced that designers physically showing at London Fashion Week this September will have their participation fees completely waived. This initiative, which promises to remove significant financial barriers, is among the first acts of Laura Weir since her appointment as CEO just 77 days ago.

"Fashion week is a valuable piece of national IP and our shop window for what creative Britain looks like," said Weir at the unveiling, highlighting the importance of ensuring emerging talent has access to the platform without the burden of cost.

Under her leadership, several strategic initiatives have been launched, including:

• A three-year extension of the BFC’s NEWGEN funding programme, secured through to 2029.
• Increased scholarship funding aimed at nurturing the next generation of designers.
• Doubled investment in the international guest programme at London Fashion Week, to attract global press, buyers, and cultural influencers.
• The launch of the BFC Fashion Assembly pilot, spearheaded by Ambassador Sarah Mower, brings designer role models into schools across the country.

Laura Weir, CEO of British Fashion Council

"Every event and showcase we host will be intentional and magnetic," Weir affirmed, highlighting the BFC’s intention to place designers at the heart of its strategy. That focus is intended to address a growing concern: "We are losing design talent… not because of a lack of creativity, but because of a lack of infrastructure to support our designers to make, create, show and importantly to scale in this country."

Weir's message also reached UK retailers and partners: "Retailers - designers need you not just as stockists, but as strategic partners. You are the enablers."

These steps are framed as part of a broader vision to reclaim London’s status as a global fashion capital. "Fashion is not just about shows and clothes," Weir added. "Fashion gives us a preview of society’s next chapter. It’s time to write a new story together."

By eliminating fees and doubling down on educator engagement, the BFC under Laura Weir is not just supporting the next generation, it’s also repositioning British fashion for long-term creative and commercial growth.